Madoka Sakamoto
Bay of plenty
Two new workplaces on the city’s waterfront, with cafés, gyms and roofdecks for lounging, show that new work styles are possible even in hardworking Japan.
Nature’s teachings
Dai Nippon Printing’s new training centre by architect Kenya Ishihara was designed to inspire. With a spa and views of Mount Fuji, it seems more like a retreat than a place of work.
Keep on trucking
In Paris's 7th arrondissement, Jean-Luc Poujauran abandoned his celebrated bakery to pursue a singular obsession: supplying 200 restaurants with sourdough born from his father's ancient starter.
Up the wall
The new Marunouchi Park Building in Tokyo features a soaring office tower and a replica 19th-century building. But its most intriguing element is a garden that rethinks urban green space.
Shop idols
It can take just one retailer to unite a neighbourhood and restore a sense of old-fashioned community. Monocle has found 10 independent shops doing just that, from Barcelona to Tokyo.
Hearts of the city
Identikit suburban projects and architects without imagination have sullied the reputation of property development but Monocle has tracked down five firms putting passion, innovation and social conscience back into the world.
Spokes people
A Japanese firm once making bikes for professionals has expanded to include customisable models for design-conscious city dwellers who enjoy a leisurely jaunt on two wheels.
